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Top Things To Do in Santa Fe

By: Cityseeker
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Fine art, music and theater are brought together in this ancient city that glows in the golden light of the New Mexico sun. Santa Fe is nestled in the foothills of Sangre de Cristo, featuring buildings and historic landmarks bearing striking architectural styles, and a rich cultural heritage that is riveting to behold.


Canyon Road

Some of the most upscale places to shop and dine in Santa Fe are in this old part of town. Canyon Road was once a residential area for early Spanish settlers. Artists flocked to the area from all over the world in the 1920s, transforming the residences into shops and galleries. Today this two-mile stretch of road is lined on both sides with upscale art galleries, clothing stores, and restaurants. The narrow street does not accommodate a lot of parking spaces, so be prepared to walk.

Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM, United States, 87501
Museum of International Folk Art

The Museum of International Folk Art features artists who represent traditions from Hispanic and Latino cultures. The museum opened to the public in 1953 and was the brainchild of Florence Dibell Bartlett, who was a folk art collector. The exhaustive collection is unique and is believed to be one of the world's largest collections of folk art. Over 130,000 artifacts form the basis for exhibitions in four distinct wings: Bartlett, Girard, Hispanic Heritage and Neutrogena. The Museum of Spanish Colonial Arts, Museum of International Folk Art, and Museum of Indian Arts & Culture are all on Museum Hill. Additionally, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Palace of the Governors are worth a visit as well.

706 Camino Lejo, Museum Hill, Santa Fe, NM, United States, 87505
New Mexico History Museum

This much-anticipated addition to Santa Fe's museum resources opened in May 2009 to great acclaim. The opening day attracted 7,000 visitors and included ceremonies involving the Spanish and Mexican ambassadors to the United States, the New Mexico governor, and several state cabinet secretaries. The New Mexico History Museum is comprised of three floors of temporary and permanent exhibits and seeks to challenge the way the world thinks about New Mexico and the American West.

113 Lincoln Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, United States, 87501
Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi

Commissioned by Archbishop Jean Baptiste Lamy in the year 1869, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi exemplifies Romanesque Revival architecture like few structures in the world. One of Santa Fe's most recognizable structures thanks to its handsome design, ornate rose window, captivating main facade, and stunning New-Mexican embellishments. This local landmark houses many religious relics, including the chalice used by Lamy and the oldest Madonna in the United States. Its interiors are as impressive as its exteriors, with exquisite, stained glass windows sourced all the way from France being one of its most eye-catching features. The Blessed Sacrament Chapel, San Damiano Crucifix, and the primary nave are few of the church's other remarkable sights.

131 Cathedral Place, Santa Fe, NM, United States, 87504
Georgia O'Keeffe Museum

Contemporary art and modernism fascinated world-famous artist Georgia O'Keeffe. This namesake museum spotlights her work, but also showcases the work of many other established artists. The exhibits change about three times a year, so no matter how many times you visit, you'll always see something new. In addition to the static displays, there are a number of rotating exhibits. The museum shop offers some great souvenirs and gifts.

217 Johnson Street, Santa Fe, NM, United States, 87501
Meow Wolf Santa Fe

When visiting Santa Fe, a stop at the Meow Wolf is an absolute necessity. The space functions as an interactive museum/art exhibit/fun house that is perfect for all ages. Meow Wolf also features renowned Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin's House of Eternal Return. The 20,000 square feet (1858 square meter) space allows visitors to choose their own adventure while walking, climbing, crawling and creeping through the Victorian Selig house. Here, both adults and children choose appropriately aged adventures through this fantastical place. The entire complex in which artists create their work is always buzzing with activity, from galleries and installations to workshops and live music and performances. Overall, it's one of the best kept secrets in Santa Fe.

1352 Rufina Circle, Santa Fe, NM, United States, 87507
The Santa Fe Opera

Since 1957, the Santa Fe Opera has been a summer oasis for internationally-acclaimed operatic talents and opera enthusiasts. The Opera's magnificent mountain backdrop and amazing construction have always been major draws. Santa Fe Opera's performance offerings encompass dance, theater, opera, choral and chamber music, all performed under its iconic open roof. The opera house has seen performances of all the most famous operas, beginning with Puccini's Madame Butterfly on the opera house's opening night, and also including La Traviata, Carmen and The Marriage of Figaro, among many others. The Santa Fe Opera has even commissioned 10 original operas since its inception. Catching a performance at the Santa Fe Opera should be on every opera lover's bucket list.

301 Opera Drive, Santa Fe, NM, United States, 87506
Santa Fe Farmers Market

The largest of its kind in the state, the Santa Fe Farmers Market has been in business since the 1960s and is known as one of the best in the nation. The market offers a huge selection of fresh, locally-grown and organic produce. Over a hundred vendors set up shop carrying cheese, meat, eggs, baked goods, flowers, crafts and body care products. This is a true community event, with volunteer and educational opportunities, live music, and local radio broadcasting live from the site every Saturday. There is even a dog-sitting service available at the market entrance.

1607 Paseo De Peralta, Santa Fe, NM, United States, 87501
The Loretto Chapel

Bishop Jean Lamy commissioned this Gothic Revival-style chapel, which was completed in the 1880s. The stained glass window was made in Paris, France, and delivered to Santa Fe in a covered wagon. The most outstanding feature of the chapel is the famous Miraculous Staircase. The circular staircase winds its way from the floor of the chapel to the choir loft above. The Loretto Chapel is no longer a place of worship and is now a private museum with a gift shop on the premises.

207 Old Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe, NM, United States, 87501
Santa Fe Plaza

Known as the Plaza, this historic area is marked by a central park lined with huge shade trees and benches. The Santa Fe Plaza is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Many of the buildings surrounding the park stand just as they did during colonial Spanish times. Aside from the numerous shops, hotels, and restaurants, you will also see a number of famous landmarks. Be sure to visit The Palace of the Governors, St. Francis Cathedral, and Loretto Chapel. The Spanish Market and the Santa Fe Indian Market are held here.

East San Francisco Street, West Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM, United States, 87501
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